“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
In this mega world of big box stores and shopping malls, somehow we have lost a lot of the small business establishments that have for years been the economic backbone of our communities.
The one perhaps missed most is the neighborhood drug store. But I am very fortunate to still have one right around the corner. My druggist knows me by name and I have his home phone number. I suspect that if I needed something in the middle of the night, he would bring it to me.
Last week I went in to pick up several prescriptions, but as I paid the bill, I noticed that I had not been charged for two of them, so I brought it to the attention of the cashier, who promptly, with appreciation, corrected the bill.
As I walked to my car, I thought about how many people would have taken advantage of the situation thinking that the drugstore could take the loss and never miss it. But that’s not the point. Stealing is stealing.
The Book of Malachi talks about shortchanging God, as people were not honoring their duty to tithe and were bringing the refuse of their animals for sacrifice. Imagine that, giving God the worst, not the best.
The country’s largest card company has for years had the slogan, “When you care enough to send the very best” God sent His very best, His Son, that we might have life eternal. Should we do anything less?
Should we be foolish enough to think that God would not miss it when we shortchange him or fail to give him our very best? The issue is not that He needs to receive it. The issue is that we need to give it.
God calls us to be generous givers and to leave a legacy. So take inventory of what you are giving – time, talents and treasure – to God and if it is not your very best, then ask yourself why not.
by John Grant
used by permission (a thought on life from John Grant )
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
About Tithing
The Generosity Habit
Try Tithing
Joyful Generosity
A Blessing So Great
You Cannot Outgive God
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